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Friday, September 20, 2013

Governor Uduaghan Blames Poor Data for Health Sector's Failure

The Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, has said lack of accurate statistical data in the health sector was responsible for the poor healthcare delivery in the country.

The governor said this during the convocation ceremony of the National Post-Graduate Medical College of Nigeria, Ijanikin, Lagos on Thursday.

Uduaghan, who was honoured with a Fellow of the medical college, noted that the country’s healthcare system may not develop if accurate data and information are not available.

He said, “The Federal Government has to provide adequate statistical data on healthcare in the country. Adequate statistics on the health sector is required to enhance the provision good healthcare.

“The dearth of statistical data in the country, especially in the health sector, was a major hindrance to the provision of infrastructures, services and development in general. Federal Office of Statistics and the Federal Government must provide adequate data on the nation’s health standard as this will guarantee good healthcare for the people.”

While announcing the sponsorship of one-year training abroad of graduates of the College that are from Delta State, he emphasised that clean environment was paramount for healthiness.

“Most of the diseases we suffer from today could be avoided if our people and communities keep a clean environment,” he added.

A Professor of Preventive and Community Dentistry from Obafemi Awolowo University, Eyitope Ogunbodede, who delivered the convocation lecture, said health services, must support the needs of the society.

He said: “For health to be achieved in Nigeria and for us to make required impact, there are certain requirements: efficient primary health care services coupled with effective referral system; an environment free from local hazards including ethnic, political and religious strife droughts and floods.

“Others are satisfactory standard of living and quality of life that ensures adequate food supply, housing, employment, road safety, provision of recreational facilities and freedom from chronic anxiety and undue stress; good social welfare services with adequate financial provision for sickness, unemployment and old age.”

President of the college, Dr. Victor Wakwe, while presenting the award, to the Uduaghan, urged him not to relent in his effort of providing good health care services in his state.

He said the governor was awarded honorary Fellow of the college because he was keen at supporting healthcare bodies in the country.